Los Angeles Metro has been forced to relocate buses displaying promotional material for Melania Trump’s new documentary following a wave of vandalism that has marred the film’s advertising campaign. The unrest coincided with heightened tensions in the wake of a police shooting that has ignited protest across the nation. This documentary, produced by Amazon at a staggering cost of $40 million, is expected to falter at the box office with a projected opening weekend revenue of just $5 million.
Vandalism Erupts in Los Angeles
In recent weeks, promotional posters for the documentary titled *Melania* have been subjected to extensive defacement in Los Angeles. Images of the First Lady have been altered with graffiti, including devil horns and Hitler mustaches, as discontent over her portrayal has surfaced. Metro officials reported that the vandalism escalated following the fatal shooting of 37-year-old Alex Pretti by federal immigration agents in Minneapolis. Patrick Chandler, a spokesperson for LA Metro, described the situation as “extensive and severe,” prompting the decision to move the buses to areas less affected by graffiti.
“Given that Metro buses have had significant vandalism and damage during previous periods of heightened public activity, we made the decision in the interest of protecting our riders, employees and assets,” Chandler explained.
Activists Claim Responsibility
The activist collective known as Indecline has openly claimed responsibility for defacing at least one of the posters. The group shared a provocative video on Instagram, depicting a disfigured image of Melania Trump. “We know that as a proud immigrant, Melania Trump gives a s*** about America,” they proclaimed in a cheeky post. “So, as lovers of cinema, we have gone to great lengths and risks to help create a little marketing buzz ahead of her big premiere tomorrow.”
Despite the uproar, LA Metro has assured the public that all buses featuring the Melania advertisements are still operational, albeit in different locations. The documentary made its debut at the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington, D.C., on January 29, 2026.
Critical Reception and Financial Forecast
The documentary, which chronicles Melania Trump’s experiences in the lead-up to her husband’s anticipated return to the White House, has not fared well with critics. The Independent’s chief television critic, Nick Hilton, dismissed it as a “ghastly bit of propaganda,” awarding it a single star. He likened it to notorious historical films, suggesting it could serve as a striking artefact of an era when Americans acquiesced to a political elite.
Amazon’s hefty investment in the documentary, which included $28 million directly to the First Lady, has raised eyebrows. With the film facing competition from Sam Raimi’s horror thriller *Send Help*, expected to rake in between $14 million and $17 million domestically, projections for *Melania* seem grim. President Trump, however, has publicly lauded the film, declaring it a “MUST WATCH” on Truth Social, despite a lack of evidence supporting his claims of strong ticket sales.
When asked to summarise her experience of making the film, Melania Trump provided a lengthy response, stating, “I think the people will judge it for themselves. It’s beautiful, it’s emotional, it’s fashionable, it’s cinematic, and I’m very proud of it.”
Why it Matters
The backlash against *Melania* reflects deeper societal tensions and the ongoing polarisation in the United States. As public sentiment turns increasingly hostile towards political figures, the vandalism of the documentary’s promotional materials underscores a fractious relationship between the Trumps and sections of the American public. This incident not only highlights the challenges faced by the film but also serves as a barometer for the current political climate, revealing how art and propaganda intertwine amidst a backdrop of dissent and division.
